Justice News

Providence Felon Detained On Federal Drug And Firearm Charges

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Darren Monteiro, 26, of Providence, has been ordered detained in federal custody on drug and firearm charges following an investigation into Monteiro’s alleged drug trafficking activities by the Providence Police Department’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Bureau, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Providence Police Chief Hugh T. Clements, Jr., and Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Boston Field Division.

According to an affidavit in support of a federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant filed with the U.S. District Court, it is alleged that on four occasions, between November 8 and November 19, 2013, Monteiro sold packets of heroin for $40 each to an undercover Providence Police detective. In addition, it is alleged that Monteiro arranged with the undercover detective to purchase a firearm and ammunition he allegedly intended to use to commit an armed robbery. Monteiro was arrested on November 21, 2013, moments after he allegedly took possession of a semi-automatic handgun and ammunition.

Monteiro, who was ordered detained on Friday by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond, is charged by way of a criminal complaint with four counts of heroin distribution and one count each of possession with the intent to distribute heroin, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime of violence.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted as charged, Monteiro faces statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment followed by a minimum of 3 years up to lifetime supervised release and a fine of up to $2,000,000 on each count of heroin distribution; up to 20 years imprisonment followed by a minimum of 3 years up to lifetime supervised release and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for possession with the intent to distribute heroin; up to 10 years imprisonment followed by up to 3 years supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 for being a felon in possession of a firearm; and a sentence of 5 years to life imprisonment, to be served consecutive to all other sentences imposed, followed by up to 3 years supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime of violence.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.